Hi vegan!
From this book
The Macrobiotic Path to Total Health: A Complete Guide to Preventing and Relieving More Than 200 Chronic Conditions and Disorders Naturally Written by Michio Kushi and Alex Jack:
"Thyroid Disorders. The thyroid is a small gland in the neck just below the Adam's apple that influences many basic metabolic processes. Hyposecretion of thyroxin, the principal hormone released by the thyroid, can lead to (1) simple goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland that results primarily from a lack of iodinein the diet, and (2) myxedema or Gull's disease in adults and cretinism in children. These conditions are commonly characterized by a bulge in the neck and mental retardation, low body temperature, slow heartbeat, thickened skin, and abnormal metabolism. Modern diets low in iodine and other trace minerals found in whole grains, vegetables from land and sea, and other fresh foods are the primary cause of simple goiter. Since iodine was added to table salt, this disorder has virtually disappeared in the United States. Synthetic oral hormones, including those made from animals, are commonly prescribed for hypothyroidism. To relieve hypothyroidism, follow the guidelines for Diet #2, for more yang conditions. A touch of sea..."
Get a copy of the book and you can read the rest of the description, Solution (including diet and lifestyle) and everything you ever wanted to know about macrobiotic and the other 199 disorders.
Until you become more affluent, don't give up and try contacting all the certified macrobiotic counselors. You might get lucky and find one that is willing to help you in some fashion (perhaps a sliding scale or something).
Read the book first (and as many other macrobiotic healing [and cook] books and other healing mode books as you can) and become familiar with macrobiotic healing. Some counselors are happy to give cheap or free advice to persons who have done all the learning about macrobiotic (and other modes of) healing before contacting them.
Good luck and health to you.
Thank you, very much.
Bruce Paine